Panthers not ready to name a starting QB for Week 1
With the start of the preseason just around the corner, questions remain around the Carolina Panthers’ quarterback situation.
The Panthers are dealing with no clarity regarding who will be the team’s starter for the 2022 campaign. The offseason addition of Baker Mayfield has put him in direct competition with Sam Darnold for the top spot.
Head coach Matt Rhule voiced that he hasn’t made any “major decision” regarding the starting spot, which he aired that will likely be finalized until after the second preseason game.
“I’m not putting a timetable on the quarterback position until after we get back from the Patriots week,” Rhule said after Saturday’s scrimmage in which neither quarterback had a decisive advantage via ESPN. “The Patriots week is a true litmus test for us. That will really show us where guys are.”
The Panthers are moving through training camp, giving both quarterbacks a chance to prove themselves. Darnold holds the early upper hand due to having played in Rhule’s offensive system last season.
Meanwhile, Mayfield comes in with a chance to provide a fresh new look to the offense with him under center. Each quarterback has struggled to make any significant headway toward living up to the high expectations of a first-round talent.
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Darnold and Mayfield are both hoping to put forth a strong campaign to earn a lucrative long-term deal from the Panthers or another franchise next offseason.
Carolina has plenty of time to figure out its quarterback situation before the 2022 season that sits over a month away from beginning.
